Restore Flawless Shifting to Your Saturn Vue
If you’re dealing with the frustration of a transmission that jerks, hesitates, or refuses to shift properly, you’re not alone. As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless GM vehicles, including the Saturn Vue, come into the bay with these exact issues. Often, the culprit isn’t the expensive mechanical hardware inside the transmission, but its electronic brain: the Transmission Control Module (TCM). This replacement T42 TCM, part number 24255280, is the definitive, hassle-free solution to get your vehicle driving like new again.
The core problem with replacing a TCM has always been the mandatory, and often costly, trip to the dealership for programming. We eliminate that step entirely. By providing us with your vehicle’s VIN during checkout, we program the module specifically for your car. This means it arrives at your door ready for a true plug-and-play installation, pre-loaded with the latest GM software updates to ensure optimal performance and communication with your vehicle’s other systems. This is the same process we use in our own shop to guarantee a fast, reliable repair.
From the Diagnostic Bay: The Saturn That Dodged a Rebuild
A customer brought in their 2008 Saturn Vue with classic signs of transmission failure: violent 1-2 shifts and getting stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode) with a P0700 code. Another shop had quoted them over $3,000 for a transmission rebuild. I hooked up my professional scan tool and saw erratic data from the shift solenoids, but the solenoids themselves tested fine. This is a classic misdirection. The TCM was failing to command them correctly. Instead of a rebuild, we installed one of our VIN-programmed TCMs. In under an hour, the car was shifting perfectly, and the customer saved thousands. This highlights why correctly diagnosing the electronics first is critical.
Is Your Saturn Vue Showing These Symptoms?
A failing TCM can manifest in several ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, this module is likely the solution you need. Don’t let a small electronic part convince you that you need a whole new transmission.
- ✔ Harsh, slamming, or erratic gear shifts.
- ✔ The vehicle feels stuck in one gear (often called limp mode).
- ✔ Check Engine Light or Transmission Warning Light is illuminated.
- ✔ Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, such as P0700, P0750, or other solenoid-specific codes.
- ✔ Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
- ✔ Poor fuel economy and a feeling of sluggish performance.
- ✔ Complete loss of communication with the transmission.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
One of the best features of this part is its simple installation. For a DIYer with basic tools, this is a job you can complete in your own driveway in under 30 minutes. For the 2007-2010 Vue TCM, it’s typically located in the LH front of the engine compartment.
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery to prevent any electrical shorts and to help reset the onboard systems.
- Locate the Old Module: Find the TCM in your engine bay. On the Saturn Vue, it’s usually on the driver’s side front. On other GM models, it could be near the battery, under the air cleaner box, or on a frame rail.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. Press the release tabs firmly. Then, unbolt the module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New Module: Bolt the new, pre-programmed TCM into place. Reconnect the electrical connectors, ensuring they click securely into position.
- Final Steps: Reconnect the battery terminal. While our programming handles the critical setup, it’s always good practice to use a basic scan tool to clear any stored fault codes from the ECU. Start the vehicle and enjoy smooth shifting!
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This module is a direct replacement for a wide range of General Motors vehicles equipped with 4-speed automatic transmissions like the 4L60E and 4L65E. Please verify your vehicle is on this list before ordering.
AURA 07-09 Transmission; (LH frame rail front)
AVALANCHE 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
CANYON 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
COBALT 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
COLORADO 08-12 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
DTS 06-11 Transmission; (RH front engine compartment)
ENVOY 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
ENVOY 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
ENVOY XL 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
EXPRESS 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
EXPRESS 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
EXPRESS 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
G5 07-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
G6 06-10 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
GRAND PRIX 06-08 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
HHR 06-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
HUMMER H3 08-10 Transmission; (RH rear engine compartment)
IMPALA 06-11 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
ION 06-07 Transmission; (behind LH strut tower)
LACROSSE 06-09 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
LUCERNE 06-07 Transmission; (4.6L), (LH engine compartment)
LUCERNE 08-11 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
MALIBU 06-10 Transmission; (LH frame rail)
MONTE CARLO 06-07 Transmission; (lower air cleaner housing)
MONTANA 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
PURSUIT 06 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
RAINIER 06-07 Transmission
RENDEZVOUS 06-07 Transmission; (air cleaner box)
SAAB 9-7X 06-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
SAVANA 1500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SAVANA 2500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SAVANA 3500 VAN 06-14 Transmission; (RH engine compartment)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
SIERRA 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; (new style, smooth door skin), (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 08 Transmission; (next to battery)
SILVERADO 1500 PICKUP 09-13 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o hybrid option
SILVERADO 2500 PICKUP 07 Transmission; new style (smooth door skin), 6.0L, (next to battery)
SSR 05-06 Transmission; (front LH frame)
SUBURBAN 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
TAHOE 08-09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
TERRAZA 06-07 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
TRAILBLAZER 06-07 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
TRAILBLAZER 08-09 Transmission; (LH engine compartment)
TRAILBLAZER EXT 06 Transmission; (LH engine compartment), (8 cylinder)
UPLANDER 06-09 Transmission; (LH strut tower)
VUE 07-08 Transmission; 2.4L, (LH front engine compartment)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/hybrid, LH side front engine compartment, (shift control)
VUE 09 Transmission; 2.4L, w/o hybrid; (LH front engine compartment)
VUE 10 Transmission
YUKON 07 Transmission; (next to battery)
YUKON 08 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler control
YUKON 09 Transmission; (next to battery), w/o auxiliary oil cooler pump
YUKON XL 1500 07-08 Transmission; (next to battery)
Do I need to take this part to a dealer for programming?
Do I need to take this part to a dealer for programming?
No. This module is delivered to you pre-programmed to your vehicle’s specific VIN. This ensures it works correctly right out of the box, saving you time and the extra expense of a dealership visit.
Is this part difficult to install myself?
Not at all. For most DIYers with basic hand tools, this is a straightforward job that takes less than 30 minutes. You simply locate the old module, disconnect it, and plug this one in. See our installation guide above for more details.
What is a core charge?
A core charge is a deposit that is refunded when you return your old part. We do not require a core charge for this TCM, so you can keep your old part without any hassle or extra steps.
Will this fix a P0700 trouble code?
Yes, in many cases. The P0700 code is a general fault request from the TCM to the main engine computer. A failing TCM is a very common cause of this code. Replacing it with our programmed module often resolves the root cause of the P0700 and related transmission codes.
What kind of warranty is included?
We stand behind our parts. This Transmission Control Module comes with a one-year warranty, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your repair.